Sir Paul McCartney has hailed late music producer Phil Ramone as a “sweet man” and a “great friend” following his death on Saturday. The famed producer and sound engineer, who won 14 Grammy Awards throughout his career, passed away in New York City at the age of 79, sending the music world into mourning. McCartney worked with Ramone on numerous projects over the years, and he has now spoken out to remember his late friend. In a statement posted on his official website, the Beatles legend writes, “Phil was a great friend of mine for many years. We first worked together when I recorded Another Day in New York at (Ramone’s) A&R Studios. He was a very sweet man who combined this with expert knowledge of both engineering and production. I’ll always remember him as a great friend that I knew, loved and admired over the many years that we worked and played together.”